How to Install Headliner Material

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Transform the look of your RV, camper or boat by installing a new headliner. Much like a new coat of paint, a new headliner can instantly modernize and update the look of your RV or boat's interior. In today's video tutorial, we'll show you how to measure and install a new headliner in an RV. Whether you have an RV, trailer, boat or car, you can use these same techniques for your headliner installation. Let's get started.
Video Chapters:
  • Intro — 0:00 min.
  • Measuring & Prepping for Headliner — 0:50 min.
  • Applying Spray Adhesive — 5:44 min.
  • Installing Headliner — 8:06 min.
  • Adding PVC Trim Molding — 29:51 min.
  • Using Hi-Tack 76 Spray Adhesive — 44:57 min.
  • Materials & Tools List — 52:26 min.
Materials List:
  • 3M™ Specialty Adhesive Remover 32 oz. (Quart) #108984
  • 3M™ General Trim Spray Adhesive 18.1 oz. #73211
  • Headliner from Sailrite (we used Morbern™ Seabrook White 54" Foam Backed Headliner #105465)
  • Ribbed Push-In Rivets (Hole Diameter 7/32") #123376
  • 3M™ Hi-Tack 76 Spray Adhesive 24 oz. #123599
  • Dura-Skrim® Patterning Material 74" #103134
Tools List:
  • Gingher® 8" Scissors Right Handed #19104
  • Tucking Tool #766100
  • Sailrite® #2 Drill Hole Cutter 3/8" #121820
  • Tape Measure, 3/8" x 3/4" x 8' White PVC Screen Moulding, 3/4" x 3/4" x 8' White PVC Quarter Round Moulding, Painter’s Tape, Masking Paper, Multi-Purpose Respirator Mask, Yard Stick, Marker, T Square, Razor Knife, Pneumatic Brad Nailer, Caulk, Compound Miter Saw, Pencil, Dremel Tool and 1/4" Sanding Drum or Coping Saw, Drill & Bits, Plastic Contour Gauge, Hammer
How to Install Headliner 3
The new white headliner helps to brighten up and modernize our RV's interior.

First, let’s talk about headliner options available at Sailrite®. You can use vinyl upholstery fabric as headliner fabric, or you can choose between foam-backed vinyl headliner and carpet-style headliner. Whatever look you’re going for, we’ve got a headliner option that will work for you.

We chose Morbern™ Seabrook Foam Backed Headliner for the RV in our Airstream Argosy RV Renovation Series. This material is the same as Morbern Seabrook upholstery vinyl but with a high-quality, flame-adhered 3/16" foam backing. We went with a white headliner; opting for a light color can brighten the small space, make your ceiling look taller, and make your RV look bigger and roomier.

How to Install Headliner 2
Closeup of the headliner.

Although measuring and installing a new headliner might seem like a daunting task, it’s not as difficult as you might think. Our video will walk you through the whole process. Even a DIY novice will be able to tackle this project. The video will cover steps including:

  • How to measure and prep for the headliner.
  • How to apply and choose the right spray adhesive.
  • How to install the headliner material.
  • How to add PVC trim molding for a polished look.

If you want to view more projects in our RV Renovation Series, click here!

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